West Texas A&M University

WTAMU Alumna Selected for Fulbright Award

CANYON, Texas—West Texas A&M University alumna Melissa Bauer-Herzog is one of 46 applicants from across the United States selected as a recipient of a coveted Fulbright Student Scholar to study in the United Kingdom (UK).

Bauer-Herzog was one of 706 applicants for the Fulbright grant to the UK. She submitted a detailed statement of purpose related to her proposed research in the Sport Business Management Program at Coventry University in the UK. Her research proposal focused on the emerging equine industry in the UK. The research would involve conducting fieldwork in England and looking at the how the different branches of equestrian sports are promoted in the UK as well as the public reaction to a sport not widely marketed there, all leading up to the World Equestrian Games in the fall of 2014.

Dr. Butler Cain and Dr. Emily Kinsky, assistant professors of mass communication, both recommended Bauer-Herzog for the award, and Dr. Elizabeth Clark, associate professor of history, helped her prepare for the finalist interview with the UK committee.

“The Fulbright application process is rigorous and requires a lot of commitment,” Dr. Wade Shaffer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Winning the award is a significant accomplishment and WT is very proud to have Melissa Bauer-Herzog as an alumna. The combined efforts of faculty and the office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships supported an outstanding student to achieve something that is a milestone for the University. We wish Melissa continued success in her future endeavors.”

Bauer-Herzog’s initial application was supported by Elly Mons, who led the WTAMU Nationally Competitive Scholarship program at the time. As the application moved through U.S. Committee review and progressed to the UK committee review, Bauer-Herzog received additional support and interview preparation from Laura Seals, who is the University’s current coordinator of Nationally Competitive Scholarships.

"The Fulbright recipient earned an associate degree from Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., and transferred to WTAMU. She was involved with two University publications, the Eternal Flame and The Prairie. She also worked as a freelance reporter for the Bleacher Report. After graduating in May 2012 with a bachelor's degree in mass communication/print media, Bauer-Herzog served as a marketing intern with the U.S. Equestrian Federation while also working as a weekend editor of the Paulick Report. She currently lives in Kentucky, where she is an assistant editor at America's Best Racing."

For more information about competitive scholarship opportunities at WTAMU, contact Seals at 806-651-2587 or visit wtamu.edu/ncs.aspx.